Everyone thinks that the movie "When Harry Met Sally" (1989) was about the question, "Can men and women be just friends?" (a question we're still debating today). But the movie poster touted a very different inquiry ...

Yves Saint Laurent's "Opium" campaign of 2000 featured Sophie Dahl — and made headlines for two reasons. Its nudity made it one of the most complained about ads in British history; and it broke with the tradition of using only stick-thin models in fashion and beauty ads.

In the 1990s and 2000s, designers' ads became increasingly erotic and edgy. But Dolce & Gabbanna went too far with its 2007 "Ready to Wear" campaign, which featured several faux gang rape scenes. The ads were pulled.

Only in the last couple of years have images of gay sexuality been shown in the mainstream media, often as a ploy to generate controversy. Benetton's "Unhate" campaign from 2011 won a Cannes Grand Prix.